K2600X Overview

Discontinued ModelDownloads and support materials maintained here as a courtesy to owners.

The Evolution of Sound Continues

Professionals around the world use Kurzweil instruments for all their production needs. From film studios and composers to the U.S. Government, Kurzweil delivers the quality and award-winning audio that is required by the best.

Continuing this tradition, Kurzweil is proud to offer the K2600X. Fully compatible with all K2 models that Kurzweil offers, professionals can continue their work without interruption, always confident that archived work will be compatible.

Building on Kurzweil's world-renowned operating system, the K2600X can do more than ever before. The new operating system expands the algorithms from 32 to 127 with Kurzweil's exclusive Triple Modular Processing. The K2600X is a complete workstation, allowing the user to work from concept to completion without changing stations.

Non-Obsolescence

Kurzweil is known for quality instruments that are upgraded, not outdated. All K2000 and K2500 Series libraries are forward compatible with the K2600X. That is how Kurzweil was able to build the largest sound library in the world. In addition, Kurzweil reads other major formats directly into the system for use with its V.A.S.T. architecture. New operating systems and options are always being created, expanding an artist's power while preserving his investment in time and programming.

V.A.S.T.

Kurzweil's award-winning proprietary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) is a state-of-the-art synthesis system, giving an artist powerful expression not available with any other brand. V.A.S.T. can accurately model or emulate many synthesis processes offered by the competition, past or present. In addition, V.A.S.T. has many processes not available anywhere else. A simple comparison will prove the K2600X is the clear choice for any sound professional.

Ask and Receive

The K2600X also includes new features that players around the world have asked for. Most options on the K2600X are now user-installable, allowing quick and easy upgrades to the workstation. Kurzweil's exclusive KDFX is now standard on all K2600X units allowing digital effects processing to any signal. Flash ROM has been upgraded from 2Mb to 4Mb, giving twice the memory for fast system upgrades and setups. The KB-3 Tone Wheel Organ Mode is now standard, providing powerful tone wheel synth models and control.

KB-3

The KB-3 Organ Mode is standard on all K2600X series instruments. The sliders and mod wheel accurately model the drawbars of a Tone Wheel Organ. This revolutionary synthesis modeling tool gives the user the power to blend harmonics in real-time to create and control unique new timbres. Full polyphony is always maintained, with a single-voice containing 9 harmonics that may be blended, controlled and/or recorded in real-time. KB-3 is just the beginning, future software enhancements will unlock the true potential of this new tool.

Sequence

The K2600X's full-function 32-track sequencer is equipped with many features only found on the most sophisticated software-based sequencers. With a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, sequencer functions include: Linear, Pattern and Step (Drum Machine), Record Modes, Reference Quantize, Event Edit List, Cut, Copy, Paste facilities, Advanced Auto Arranger functions (allows sequences to be triggered from keys with velocity sensitivity and transposition), grab (imports tracks from other sequences) and more. Reference Quantize allows the user to quantize to a groove track, and to quantize tracks not previously recorded with a click. The Event Edit List, with view filters and audible scroll, enables precise, computer-style editing. If the user already created work on a computer sequencer, or wants to use a computer for additional development, the K2600X can import and export either Type 1 or Type 0 MIDI files on DOS format media. The K2600X sequencer is the most sophisticated available.

MIDI Control

The K2600XX is a complete MIDI controller. The 600mm ribbon controller is programmable in three distinct zones or one long zone. It can be assigned to respond to finger positions as follows: relative to absolute center; relative to "virtual center" (initial finger-press defines the virtual starting point); return to center when finger is removed; or maintain current value when finger is removed. A shorter, pressure and direction sensitive ribbon controller below the pitch and mod wheels allows natural vibrato and subtle nuances of expression. Two buttons above the pitch and mod wheels are completely programmable. The front panel also has eight independently assignable sliders, useful as MIDI sliders, for sequencer mixdown, or as organ drawbars in the KB-3 Mode. Additional controllers include sequencer "transport control" buttons, 4 footswitch inputs, and 2 continuous control pedal inputs (1 CC2 and 1 CC2/breath controller). The breath controller input accepts Yamaha BC-1, BC-2, and BC-3 breath controllers. The multitude of flexible control surfaces make the K2600XX the ideal center piece for any MIDI production.

Balanced Outs

User-Installable Options

Now more accessible than ever, the K2600X user can install options including PRAM memory expansion (from 477K to 1.5MB), Sample RAM (up to 128MB) and up to four optional Sound ROM boards can be installed.

Improved Keyboard Action

Improved keyboard actions offer greater performance and reliability for the most demanding situations. Available in both a 76-note semi-weighted (K2600) or 88-note fully-weighted (K2600X) keyboards.

Live Mode

Powerful V.A.S.T. DSP capabilities to process any incoming mono or stereo signal via the analog or digital sample inputs (pitch processing requires the sampling option). Imagine plugging your guitar, microphone (mic pre recommended), mixer or tape track directly into your K2600X and customizing the sound using any of the V.A.S.T. parameters, all in real-time. Then add effects using the K2600X's on board effects or the state-of-the-art KDFX. The K2600X is the most advanced real-time signal processor ever created. With various digital I/O options such as the DADAT-26 ADAT I/O option card and the venerable DMTi Digital Multitrack interface (ADAT, TDIF, AES/EBU, SPDIF support) you get an 8 channel digital highway in and out of the K2600X.

Upgrades

Kurzweil is renowned for its non-obsolescence through their design philosophy. With Flash ROM, the user can now easily upgrade their operating system from disk or SCSI and customize the factory program and setup lists, always keeping your instrument current with new features and technology. New software is made available via this web site or from your local Kurzweil dealer. The user may also choose to upgrade the K2600X's program and sample memory: battery-backed program RAM can be expanded from 477K to 1.5MB via a cost-effective memory upgrade. Sample memory can be upgraded to 128MB for recording or capturing over 24 minutes of CD-quality sampled sound. The K2600X is the most flexible and upgradable instrument available.

On Board Sounds

The K2600X offers over 450 programs (with 100s more available) for a wide and useful selection. Handy search string functions allow the user to locate a program, setup or object quickly in memory. The K2600X uses a file format that is K200 and K2500 compatible, enabling it to read Kurzweil or third-party sound libraries for each instrument from disk or CD-ROM. The K2600X can also read other manufactures' sample libraries including Roland's™ 700 Series, Akai™ S900, S950, S1000, S1100 and S3000, and Ensoniq™ EPS and ASR file formats. V.A.S.T. processing will give new life to these files. The K2600X gives the Kurzweil owner access to the largest sound library in the world.

Interactive Setups

The K2600X interactive setups allow for easy creative inspiration using multi-timbral "grooves." Kurzweil gives the user instant access to the most useful parameters for real-time control of programs and setups from a wide assortment of preassigned controllers.

Connectivity

The rear panel of the K2600X has been designed for better I/O placement. It also provides additional controller inputs for a multitude of interfacing possibilities. The controller inputs include four footswitch, one breath-controller and two continuous control pedal jacks. Interconnection is easy with two 25-pin SCSI connectors and MIDI In, Out and Thru (Thru switchable to a copy of Out). Rear panel outputs are balanced and include a pair of mixed audio outs, eight individual audio outs and one headphone output. Add K2600X Options (SMP-2X Sampling Option, DADAT-26 ADAT I/O or DMTi Digital Multitrack interface) for a full range of additional analog and digital I/O. The K2600X brings unparalleled control, distribution, and communication to your digital audio environment.

KDFX

Kurzweil KDFX is standard on all K2600Xs. KDFX utilizes Kurzweil's VLSI DSP chip. It includes a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, all with an extremely flexible routing scheme. All I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from Kurzweil Digital Stream (KDS + DMTi) digital I/O, or sampling I/O or DADAT-26 ADAT I/O. KDFX opens a whole new realm of possibilities for the K2600X.

Sound ROM

The K2600X has four expansion slots for up to 44MB of on-board sample ROM. Expansion board selections include the Orchestral and Contemporary ROM options (included in US models) from the legendary K2000 and K2500 series, as well as the Stereo Dynamic Piano, Vintage Electric Pianos ** and General MIDI** ROM options.

(**As there are only FOUR expansion slots in the K2600X, only ONE of these two ROMs may be used at the same time.)

The Choice is Clear

Kurzweil's award-winning instruments have always been known for their excellent sound quality, long-life, and state-of-the-art synthesis and sampling technology. Once again Kurzweil delivers the next generation of music with the K2600X. The right features, the right technology and the right sounds. Now more than ever Kurzweil is the choice of professionals around the world.